Delhi has lowest household expenditure on health care

Delhi has emerged as the healthiest city compared to other northern states with lowest household expenditure of 3.34 per cent on health care in 2009-10, a study has said.

Lesser expenses on health care is a parameter indicating that the state has hygienic conditions, which are conducive for a healthy living, according to a study jointly conducted by industry chamber Assocham and YES BANK.

"Health consciousness among people of Delhi is the most advanced, which makes them take necessary precautions to remain healthy.

Also, medical and health care facilities both in public and private domain are the most crucial in Delhi," Assocham secretary D S Rawat said.

Haryana has an estimated household expenditure (for both urban and rural areas) on health between 6-7 per cent, while for Punjab it is at 5.6-7.66 per cent.

States like Rajasthan ,Himachal Pradesh,Jammu and Kashmir,and Uttarakhand's urban household expenditure towards health care is estimated at 4.70 per cent, 3.91 per cent, 3.61 per cent and 4.1 per cent, respectively.

Rajasthan's rural household expenditure on healthcare is also the highest followed by Himachal Pradesh Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh,Uttarakhand and Delhi.